Major Street Closures and Security Screenings Planned for Times Square NYE Celebration

New Year’s Eve attendees in Times Square can anticipate significant street closures and security screenings as the city prepares for the annual celebration. Mayor Eric Adams announced that the closure of streets surrounding Times Square will begin in a staggered manner starting Tuesday at 4 a.m. and continuing at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. This year’s security measures implement protocols marking the heightened vigilance since events observed globally in recent months, in light of ongoing safety concerns.

The affected area will stretch from 39th to 57th Street and from 5th to 9th Avenue. Public transportation remains the advised option for those traveling into Manhattan, with only two subway stops bypassed: the NQR trains will not stop at 49th Street, and the uptown 1 train will skip 50th Street. All other stations in the vicinity will remain operational, and viewing areas will start welcoming pedestrians at 3 p.m. Entry points at 49th, 52nd, and 56th Streets can be accessed via 6th and 8th Avenues. Each attendee will undergo screening by counterterrorism officers before entering these zones, and once inside, reentry will not be permitted.

Attendees should note a list of prohibited items, including backpacks, large bags, coolers, chairs, alcohol, and umbrellas, in anticipation of scattered showers predicted for the evening. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement or call 911 promptly.

The NYPD has confirmed that no credible threats currently exist regarding the celebration, yet they maintain a state of readiness. A robust deployment of resources, including specialized police units, has been organized throughout the area. These include K-9 teams, undercover operations focused on preventing pickpocketing, and aerial monitoring with drones and helicopters. The NYPD aims to ensure a secure and enjoyable atmosphere for the anticipated crowd of over a million visitors from around the world (Source: https://youtu.be/lF8xqMrxfRs&t=558).

The Times Square Alliance has collaborated closely with city agencies to enhance safety measures, which have expanded in response to heightened global events. Mayor Adams commended their efforts, emphasizing that community cooperation is essential in maintaining security during this historic event, which has attracted global attention for over a century (Source: https://youtu.be/lF8xqMrxfRs&t=0).